La Ciotat & Region
FRANCE FrenchImmersion & Homestay
Program Overview
Town:
La Ciotat and the vicinity (Provence)
Dates:
July 7 – July 28, 2008
Travel Extension:
Paris (included)
Key Excursions:
Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Cassis
Focus:
French Language and Cultural Immersion
Housing:
Family homestay
Level:
Grades 9 - 12 +2 years of French
Our program in La Ciotat and vicinity is designed for students completing grades 9-12 who have at least 2 years of French and who are interested in advanced French language study and cultural immersion.
Students will be hosted by local French families. The homestay element of the program will complete the circle of immersion, intensifying the cultural and linguistic adaptation of the students. The students will also take French lessons taught by Abbey Road faculty, and participate in many cultural and recreational activities and excursions.
About La Ciotat
The seaside harbor towns of La Ciotat, Cassis and their neighboring communities are located west of the Côte d'Azur, in the south of Provence. Pristine sandy beaches, spectacular limestone cliffs and les calanques -- natural sea-eroded lagoons -- create a beautiful setting for these charming and elegant fishing villages. This region is also famous for its superior cuisine.
In proximity to some of the best destinations in southern France, including the theater capital of Avignon, the cultural center of Aix-en-Provence, and the magnificent countryside, La Ciotat and its vicinity offer our students an opportunity to immerse in the culture and history of one of the richest regions of France. The combination of outdoor recreation, great food and culture makes this region a popular summertime destination.
The French language classes are taught by Abbey Road faculty; the curriculum combines classroom instruction, experiential learning and daily practice. Students study with experienced teachers, in small group settings, and have opportunities for individual tutoring by Abbey Road staff.
In the afternoons, three times a week, students will also participate in French culture seminars covering a range of subjects.
The Abbey Road staff is fluent in French and many are native speakers. The program encourages our students to speak the language at all times, but it is important to recognize that the key to success in a language study program is the student's own motivation and effort.
Homestay
The language courses are complemented by the daily interaction with the French host families. Students have most of their meals with their host families, attend family events, and join their host parents and siblings during day trips and other activities.
Typically, the students share a double room with another Abbey Road student or with a host sister or brother. Most families live within walking distance from the center of La Ciotat, in quiet residential neighborhoods. Others live in the neighboring communities of Cassis and St. Cyr, a short ride away in the program van.
Our families are carefully screened and regularly visited. We believe that a rewarding homestay experience is the foundation for a successful French study program. Therefore, we make every effort to match the students with the right family, considering their preferences and needs, and to help them adjust as quickly and comfortably as possible. The success of the homestay depends upon the student's desire to keep an open mind and adapt to a different way of life.
Daily Schedule
During the week, students will start a typical day with the French class. After lunch, all students and staff assemble for the daily group meeting. In the afternoons and evenings, students will have a variety of cultural, social and recreational activities: beach days, excursions to local sites and museums, shopping, and conversations at outdoor cafés. Students will have most dinners with their host families and spend 3-4 nights a week participating in typical family activities.
In addition to planned activities with the Abbey Road group, students will have plenty of free time to pursue personal interests, make friends and explore the town. We strive to maintain a perfect balance between structured activities and free time. While we give our students this privilege, we expect them to adhere to the program rules and safety guidelines, especially the policies on alcohol and curfew, and to uphold our standards of responsibility, maturity, and respect.
Weekend Excursions
On Saturdays and Sundays, students go on day trips to some of the most beautiful sites of the Provence : Aix-en-Provence , Avignon and Marseille.
Aix-en-Provence: Avignon: Les Calanques: Marseille: Pont du Gard:
Travel Extension: Paris
During the first week of the program, the group will travel to Paris for four days. The students will stay in a 3-star hotel located close to most key sites and monuments. Students will explore the museums of Louvre, Picasso, Rodin, and Centre Pompidou as well as the cathedrals of Notre Dame and Sacré Coeur. Students will also have time to tour the River Seine and explore many Parisian neighborhoods including the Quartier Latin, Bastille and Montmartre.
Program Fee & What's Included
Our program fee is all-inclusive: it includes airfare from New York to the program site, all travel extensions, trips and excursions, tuition, lodging and insurance, and much more. There are no hidden fees, extra costs or surprises. We encourage you to compare our program fee to other programs and see what they include.
The fee for the La Ciotat program can be found here:
Now is the time to apply! There is currently availability on this program. Due to strong interest, however, we encourage serious students to apply soon.
If you would like to receive a brochure by mail, please complete the short online Preliminary Inquiry, and we will send one immediately.
If you are ready to apply now, click on the Online Application to get started.
For general questions about the application process, please visit our Application & Fees page.
If you have any special questions about the program or need assistance with the application process, please call us toll-free at (888) 462-2239 (from abroad (310) 276-1745) or email us at info@goabbeyroad.com.
